Messi: "Ronaldo was the best forward I've ever seen"

The Argentine Lionel Messi has revealed that he idolised the Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario da Lima when he was growing up, calling him the best striker he has ever set eyes on. "Ronaldo was my hero. I loved to watch players like Zidane, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo but Ronaldo was the best forward I've ever seen", Messi told British magazine FourFourTwo.

The Barça and Argentina star was gushing in his praise for Ronaldo, adding "He was so fast he could score from nothing, and he struck the ball better than anyone I've seen".

Ronaldo, the all-time top goalscorer in the World Cup, returned Messi's praise and was moved by the kind words from the current best player in the world. "It is an honour. But I can understand this because I was an important player when he was a teenager. When I was young I also needed role models. It's great to see the inspiration was good", the former Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter and AC Milan sharpshooter said.

On the subject of Messi, the Brazilian stated: "Since I can remember, goals were everything for me, and I think Messi has that mindset. He's evolved to become a deadly goalscorer. The way he drags the ball so close to his feet is unique. It's very tough to stop that. That's the main difference between him and other goalscorers".